Sibenik, Croatia Photography

Photographing Sibenik

Šibenik is a steeply terraced town on a sheltered bay where the Krka River meets the Adriatic. Unlike most Dalmatian coastal cities, it was founded by Croatians rather than Greeks or Romans, and its skyline is dominated by a UNESCO-listed stone cathedral built entirely without mortar.

Where to shoot

Cathedral of St. James — a mortarless 15th-century stone cathedral ringed by 71 carved stone heads
St. Michael's Fortress — a hilltop fort and open-air venue overlooking the old town and harbor
Krka National Park — a chain of travertine waterfalls along the river just upstream of the town
Old Town lanes — steep stepped streets of pale stone climbing from the waterfront to the forts

When to go

Visit in late spring or early autumn for comfortable heat, easy access to nearby Krka waterfalls, and fewer day-trippers; early August coincides with the lively international children's festival.

What to eat

Šibenska pašticada, local mussels and shellfish from the bay, and prosciutto and cheese from the Dalmatian hinterland.

Where to stay

The historic core near the cathedral for character, or along the riviera toward Solaris for resort-style accommodation.

The hilltop forts give the clearest elevated views over the cathedral and bay; the climb is steep but rewards with a city that stacks up in layers below.